Thread by @TypicalJAnt

One Piece Theory

Aokiji's Allegiance

#ONEPIECE #Theory

We were first introduced to Aokiji at the end of Foxy Arc, slightly different to how it happened in the anime, Aokiji is on Long Ring Long Island, waiting for them as they finish the fight with Foxy

I won't spend too much time on explaining the actions we know he's taken, because everyone has seen them. However, I will attempt to break down how these things help us to determine his motivations.

The main event that gives us the best insight into Aokiji's motivations, is of course, Ohara. It is here that we learned of his views on justice.

Aokiji believed that wrong could be done for the right reasons, 'for the greater good' & that the law mattered above all else.

The last quote I used there is particularly interesting. "Justice chances it's shape depending on where you stand." This reflects the quote from Doflamingo at Marineford, explaining that the victors decide how justice is defined.

This raises the very interesting and not widely known detail, that Aokiji's motto of justice actually changed following the events of Ohara. Previously it was 'Burning Justice' and after Ohara, it became 'Lazy Justice'.

This tells us that Aokiji's words are very true, down to the fact that his own involvement in the massacre of Ohara led him to change his motto of justice.

Now let's look at Aokiji's new motto, 'Lazy Justice' and see what that can tell us about his motives.

At face value, it seems that is just literally lazy and unwilling to perform his duties.

However, we actually get some deeper insight into the actual meaning of 'lazy justice' through Aokiji's dialogue.

Aokiji concerns himself with consequences. He changes his mind on capturing Robin, purely on the notion of the consequences that leaving her alive could lead to.

We get more insight into this after Enies Lobby, when Aokiji secretly met with Robin at Water 7.

Here he explains that he based his decision to spare Robin was based on good will to Saul but he always harboured the concern that Robin was a 'ticking time bomb'.

Once again, this shows that Aokiji's main concern is the possible consequences that may come of actions, rather than concern over the actions themselves.

This would be called Consequentialism and also reflects the Teleological model of ethics. Ethics according to end result.

Now we get to the point of Aokiji's retirement from the Navy. This, as we know, was due to his strong opposition to Akainu becoming Fleet Admiral.

Aokiji doesn't want someone totalitarian to be in that position, as it directly contradicts his model of justice.

It was Aokiji's defeat in this fabled battle that lead to him deciding to leave the Navy. However, what is said next comes as a huge surprise. Aokiji allied himself with Blackbeard?!

Aokiji aligning himself with Blackbeard is what leads most people to believe that Aokiji is really still with the marines and is in fact a leading member of Sword.

This theory is potentially furthered by the cover page where Aokiji is depicted as 'the elephant in the room'.

It certainly doesn't seem to make much sense that Aokiji would ally himself with Blackbeard, one of the most dangerous pirates on the seas.

However, it may not be that Aokiji is with Sword.

It may well be that Aokiji is doing all this as a free agent and his allegiance to Blackbeard is simply because he is the biggest threat.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

This idea is reinforced by Aokiji's dialogue with Smoker at the end of Punk Hazard.

There is things that can be done without the authority of the Navy.

Aokiji reassures Smoker that he is still himself, he hasn't turned evil. He is just playing a role.

Aokiji then goes on to leave Smoker with a warning, once again showing his concern for consequences.

Putting all this together, we can get a pretty good idea of Aokiji's motivations and true allegiances.

His motivation is to prevent the worst consequences and this explains why he's with Blackbeard.

As for his true allegiance, that depends on what consequences follow.

To conclude: What is Aokiji's true allegiance? The most truthful answer. He hasn't decided yet.

His main concern is clearly Blackbeard but the justice that he will pursue depends entirely on the consequences of the events that are to come.